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Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area
Draft Management Plan

Prepared by the Steering Committee on behalf of the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council, the First Nation of the Na'cho N'y'ak Dun & the Department of Renewable Resources

1.0 Background

1.1 Description of Area

Horseshoe Slough is an oxbow, a U-shaped old bend of the Stewart River which is narrowly connected to the main active channel. It is approximately 70 km upstream of Mayo and 10 km upstream of Fraser Falls. The Habitat Protection Area itself is approximately 87.0 sq. km in size and contains the lower portion of Nogold Creek, which flows into the Stewart River near Horseshoe Slough. Nogold Creek is a highly meandering stream and its valley is filled with several hundred small ponds, ranging in size from less than one tenth (0.10) of a ha up to 32.5 ha. The numerous ponds are the result of permafrost processes operating on fine-textured soils in the valley bottom, with an abundance of water draining from the hillsides, and in a relatively cold climate.

Map: Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area

1.2 Ecological Importance of Horseshoe Slough

The Horseshoe Slough wetland is located on the Pacific Flyway and is considered regionally significant for waterfowl. It provides nesting and moulting habitat for ducks (12 species), Canada Geese, grebes (Red-necked, Horned), Pacific Loon and American Coot. Other important wildlife values associated with the area include the following:

• Gulls, terns and shorebirds breed in the area.
• Beaver, muskrat and other furbearers, such as lynx are common.
• Bears and moose use the area.

As a wetland, Horseshoe Slough also contributes to many other important hydrological and ecological functions, such as:

• Water purification and storage of fresh water;
• Natural flood reduction and control;
• An important source of oxygen;
• A vital element of climatic cycles;
• A natural storage base for carbon;
• A nutrient source for connected waters; and,
• Preservation of biodiversity

1.3 Existing Land Use

The First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun have two parcels of settlement land which are surrounded by the Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area. These include Settlement Land parcels S-176B & S-123B, which are not subject to the terms and conditions of this plan. Settlement Land S-176B is situated along the west bank of the Stewart River near the outlet of Nogold Creek. It is the only area within the wetland where any residential development occurs. The community situated within S-176B is referred to locally as "Nogold" and consists of a small number cabins located near the riverbank. The residents of Nogold access the area by boat along the Stewart River and by ATV/snowmobile along a trail situated north of the HPA. No expansion of the existing community or development on S-176B is anticipated by the First Nation in the near future.

The wetland is part of Outfitting Concession No. 7, which is operated by Rogue River Outfitters. Rogue River Outfitters primarily cater to non-resident, big game hunters who are generally interested in antlered animals (caribou and moose).

An expansion in numbers of clients is not anticipated or planned by the outfitter. Rogue River Outfitters has four (4) base camps located in the eastern portion of Outfitting Concession No. 7, well outside the HPA. The Outfitter conducts all of his operations east of the Area and has voluntarily agreed to not hunt within the Horseshoe Slough HPA as reflected in the current Moose and Caribou Quota Agreement with the outfitter. Consequently, hunting which does occur in the HPA is carried out by the residents of the area.

The Habitat Protection Area falls within game management sub-zones 4-04 and 4-09. As regulated under the Wildlife Act, the hunting of male moose, male caribou, mountain sheep, black bear, grizzly bear, wolverine, wolf, and coyotes is permitted by licensed hunters within these sub-zones. Licensed hunters must comply with seasons and bag limits when hunting as permitted. These same restrictions do not apply to Yukon Indian People or Tetlit Gwich'in hunting for subsistence as permitted under the Na'cho N'y'ak Dun Final Agreement. The Yukon and Federal governments may only restrict harvesting activities of Yukon Indian People through processes set out in the First Nations Final Agreements, and only for reasons of conservation, public health or public safety. The First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun may, under Self Government powers, regulate subsistence harvesting by beneficiaries, the Tetlit Gwich'in and other Yukon Indian People that have been granted consent.

There are three trapping concessions; 90, 91 and 96; which are located at least partially within the Management Area. There are no placer or quartz mining claims within the wetland.

1.4 Establishment of Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area

The First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon agreed to establish the Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area pursuant to the Wildlife Act as set out in Schedule B, Chapter 10 of the Na'cho N'y'ak Dun Final Agreement [see Appendix 1].

1.5 Management Principles

Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area shall be guided by (schedule B. 4.3):

• the conservation of important Wildlife and Wildlife habitat for the benefit of Yukon residents;
• the recognition and protection of the traditional and current use of the Area by the First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun;
• the protection of the full diversity of Wildlife populations and their habitats from activities which could reduce the land's capability to support Wildlife; and,
• the encouragement of public awareness of and appreciation for the natural resources of the Area.

1.6 Implementation of Regional, National & International Commitments to Protect Wetlands

The protection of Horseshoe Slough is consistent with the goals of:

• the Yukon Waterfowl Management Plan;
• the North American Waterfowl Management Plan;
• the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation;
• the Yukon Protected Areas Strategy;
• the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy.
• the First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun Final Agreement